The Music Collection holds thousands of books, scores, CDs, and LPs. The majority of our collection is related to art music in the Western tradition, but we also collect materials related to other popular, folk, and art musics. Our collection of scores for chamber and solo instrumental music is particularly strong. Our books, scores, and recordings may be checked out by students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of our Community Borrower program. All music materials in the library may be found by using Search@UW, the online catalog for the UWM Libraries. Filters allow you to limit a search to audio or score formats.

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Quick Links

Using the Music Collection

Research & Instruction Services
Books, Scores, and Audio
  • Music-related books and scores are shelved in the east wing of the second floor. They can be checked out and returned at the main circulation desk on the first floor.
  • Sound recordings can be checked out at the Media & Reserve Services counter on the lower level. LPs should be requested in Search@UW for pick up.
  • Sound recordings circulate for two weeks to all UWM ID holders.
  • Students, faculty, and staff can make recommendations for library purchases.
Facilities & Equipment for Music
  • Viewing/listening stations for CDs and DVDs are located in the Media & Reserve Services area. The media viewing room includes space for groups of up to 20. It is equipped with a green screen and equipment for Blu-ray, DVD, and VHS viewing.
  • Students, faculty and staff may borrow equipment from Media & Reserve Services. Available equipment includes: MIDI keyboards, headphones, audio recorders, LP players and CD/Cassette players.
Research Guides

The Music Collection includes tens of thousands of CDs, LPs, scores, books, and journals, as well as streaming collections and databases. For guidance navigating our materials, finding repertory, and conducting research on music and other performing arts, try these guides.

Special Holdings

The UWM Libraries have a number of special collections related to music, both in our Music Collection and in the Special Collections and Archives departments.

  • Slovenian Music Collectionan extensive collection of Slovenian music, primarily the work of contemporary Slovenian composers. This includes a number of full sets of choral parts, not yet catalogued. The collection has been acquired primarily through the Library’s Frank and Mary Ermenc Endowment, and is shelved with the rest of the music collection. These materials are searchable in Search@UW; include the phrase “slovenian music collection” in your search.
  • Historical Sheet Music Collection: a small collection of early sheet music, mostly popular songs from the 1890s to the 1940s, including some patriotic songs, love songs, some sacred songs, etc. Some of these items have been digitized; others are not yet catalogued. Included in the Sheet Music Collection is a small collection of songs written about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the FDR Sheet Music Collection, currently being relocated to Special Collections.
  • Fine Arts Quartet and Leonard Sorkin Manuscript Collections: The history of the Fine Arts Quartet, UWM’s former resident string quartet, is well documented through the materials of founding member Leonard Sorkin. These materials are primarily housed in the Archives Department, though some musical scores in performable condition were integrated into the Music Library holdings and can be found in Search@UW. The materials housed by Archives can be explored via the finding aid.

Anna Grau Schmidt, Music & Performing Arts Librarian